So, it’s been a crazy nine months, and you couldn’t be happier with your brand new baby! Life has forever changed — but so has your belly. Yes, having a child is worth it, but if only you could ditch that baby weight for good, right?

I know, mamas! I've been there — twice — and it's tough. These days, new parents are sleep-deprived and exhausted. It feels like almost every waking minute is spent changing diapers, feeding your newborn, changing more diapers, soothing the baby. Did I mention changing diapers?!

There's not much time for you to take care of you, but without a healthy YOU, it's hard to have a truly healthy family. So, whether you've just been given the okay to work out after having a baby, or if you've been waiting and waiting and now that baby is a year old — the time is now. The good news is you can achieve that pre-baby body and even more right at home! And it starts in the kitchen with clean meals.

I know, I know, you don't have time. But neither do I, but prepping clean meals in advance is key. Otherwise, when the clock hits noon and Baby is finally napping, you’ll be starving and that junk food will call your name.

The crockpot is my go-to. Each week, I make a large batch of steel-cut oatmeal for a nice morning meal. Lunch is often scrambled eggs and veggies, a hummus and turkey sandwich or leftovers. For dinner, I go back to my trusty crockpot. Chili is a staple around our house: beans, beef or chicken, a little onion, and some seasonings is all it takes to create an easy, filling meal.

Fast recipes that get me through the week:

Steelcut Crockpot Oatmeal

Optional:

Add in 1-2 Cups of frozen berries, 1-2 Cups of sliced apples or 1 can of unsweetened pumpkin

Directions:

Add all of the ingredients in the crockpot and cook on a low setting for five to six hours. Add more water if needed. In the morning, simply heat and top with a little Greek yogurt and cinnamon!

Green Chicken Chili

(makes several servings)

1 LB Chicken Breast

1 Cup Chicken Broth

1 Small Sweet Onion, Diced

1 Can of Diced Green Chilies

1 Cup of Green Enchilada Sauce

2 Cans of Beans (Pinto, Black, Kidney, Northern, Chili)

Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder to Taste

Directions:

Place the onion in the crockpot and pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken breasts. Cook four to six hours, until the chicken is done. Dice the chicken and add it back into crockpot with all of the other ingredients. Cook on low for one to two additional hours. Try topping with a little cilantro and a squeeze of lime!

Easy Exercises While Baby is Napping

While baby naps or does some tummy time, let’s get to work on that tummy of yours. It doesn't have to be much, but a combination of cardio and resistance training is the best mix to get you moving again. Start small by adding one or two days in at first and then work your way up to a consistent schedule.

Here’s a guide to some of my routine:

Frequency: 4-5 times a week. (Aim for 3 days of resistance training and 2 days of cardio.)

Length: 20-30 minutes a day (A 20-minute stroller jog will do wonders for you both.)

Postpartum Home Workout

Before we get started, let's warm-up with five minutes of jump rope, jumping jacks, high knees, or running up and down stairs.

Exercises:

Exercise Ball Squats

Exercise Ball Crunches

Mini Band Outer Thigh Steps

Push-Ups With Feet on Exercise Ball

Mini Band Back Squeeze

Plank With Mini Band Glute Kicks

Cycle through 2-3 sets or until the baby needs your attention!

Progress in the kitchen is key to a healthy and balanced lifestyle for you and your newborn. A handful of greens, lean meat and a bit of fiber are the first part of the mix. When you add these muscle burning moves and some cardio, you have a recipe for success!